Overall, marine protected areas represent only a very small part of our seas. Up to now it was assumed that mainly benthic (species living close to the ground) or largely sedentary species benefit from such regions. Researchers from Hawaii have now examined the impact of one of the world’s largest marine reserves on tuna in the open sea, with interesting results.
Lots of water, but only a few marine protected areas
While more than 70% of our earth is covered by water, so far only 2.4% of the oceans as marine protected areas expelled. Only this small part is completely, or at least largely protected from the influences of the fishing industry. Looking at international waters, the number is even lower. International waters begin at a distance of more than 370 km to the nearest country. Of these, less than 1% of the water surface is effectively protected. This uses the fishing industry unfortunately often ruthlessly.
The tuna industry generates an annual turnover of around 40 billion dollars worldwide and is therefore an important branch of the economy. Da tuna as inhabitants of the open sea they cover enormous distances, the protection of these species is more difficult than is the case with resident fish. Because as soon as the fish move out of the protection zone, they can be fished easily and legally. This is particularly common in international waters. There, the fishing rights are not assigned to individual countries and controls are made more difficult.
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The role of marine protected areas in Hawaii
The two largest marine protected areas in the world can be found in Antarctica (“Ross Sea”) and in Hawaii (“Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument”). Both protected areas have an area of approx. 1.5 million km², which is roughly four times the size of Germany. However, this size is still tiny on a global scale. Researchers are now studying the impact of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument on tuna stocks. The results show a 54% increase in catch rates for yellowfin tuna in the adjacent waters of the sanctuary.
Higher rate of tuna catches near protected areas
In addition, the researchers observed a 12% higher catch rate for bigeye tuna and an average 8% higher number for all fish. Since the protection zone plays an important role for young tuna and other species according to the researchers, the protection area also has an enormous influence on the surrounding regions. The results once more show the importance of well-placed marine protected areas and the positive effect they can also have on fisheries.
The “nurseries” of fish in particular are important and worthy of protection areas, which is once more proven by the results. After all, fisheries and environmental protection can go hand in hand. After all, everyone benefits from healthy stocks, including us anglers.
Those: ScienceDaily
